The Monaghan Minor Injury Unit will extend its opening hours from March of this year, it has been revealed.
The extension will improve management and treatment of patients presenting with minor injury requirements over a seven-day week period, as opposed to only five.
The Minor Injuries Unit at Monaghan Hospital is the only unit that does not operate on a seven-day week basis and is alone in not opening on Bank Holidays.
It also has the shortest opening hours of any of the 10 MIUs across the state.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Senator Robbie Gallagher, who along with others has campaigned for years to have the hours extended, despite Government's failure to move on the request.
He says the extension will benefit patient heath as a whole, and will help alleviate the current pressures facing local Emergency Departments.
"The idea of extending the opening hours of the unit is that it will take the pressure away from our ED's in Cavan and Drogheda.
"Anybody from five years of age and upwards can attend the minor injury unit. It's important for people to know that if you have a letter from your GP there is no charge, or if someone has a medical charge they can present themselves with no charge.
"It is a fabulous service. Staff are doing an excellent job, hence the reason why numbers are increasing week upon week. Hopefully it will alleviate the pressure on Cavan and Drogheda and that people will be seen to in a quicker and more sufficient timeframe."
